The Palo Alto Inn

3.0 star property
Motel with free parking, in the vicinity of Stanford University

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Palo Alto Inn

Exterior
Reception
Outdoor banquet area
Exterior
Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
4238 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Googleplex
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Stanford University
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Stanford University Medical Center
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Bathtub (Non Smoking 1 King Room)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(49 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Bathtub (Non Smoking 2 Queen Room- Bathtub)

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(17 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible (Non Smoking 1 Queen Room)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(10 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed (Non Smoking 1 Queen Room- Accessible)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About the neighborhood

Palo Alto

Located in Palo Alto Orchards, The Palo Alto Inn is 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Stanford University and within a 10-minute drive of other popular attractions like Shoreline Amphitheatre. Each of the 23 rooms at this motel includes a refrigerator, a microwave, and a coffee maker.

What's nearby

  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Googleplex - 6 min drive - 2.7 miles
  • Stanford University - 6 min drive - 2.7 miles
  • Shoreline Amphitheatre - 7 min drive - 3.2 miles
  • Stanford University Medical Center - 10 min drive - 4.2 miles

Getting around

  • San Antonio Station - 3 min drive
  • Whisman Station - 7 min drive
  • San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪4290 Bistro - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪La Salsa - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Hobee's - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Phở Vỉ Hoa - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪So Gong Dong Tofu House - ‬9 min walk

About this property

The Palo Alto Inn

Motel with free parking, in the vicinity of Stanford University
The Palo Alto Inn features free WiFi in public areas, a business center, and coffee in a common area. If you plan to drive, free parking is available. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with concierge services and securing valuables. Additional amenities include a meeting room, express check-out, and a terrace.
42-inch TVs come with satellite channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers are also available. Change of towels is available on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • RV/bus/truck parking on site

Food and drink

  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • Business center
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 42-inch TV with premium satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides
  • Room service

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Electrical adapters
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laundry detergent
  • Phone
  • Printer
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Late check-in fee for check-in between noon and 2:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - midnight
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-in fee for check-in between noon and 2:00 PM

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 2 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

The Palo Alto Inn Motel
Days Inn Stanford
Days Inn Stanford Motel
Days Inn Stanford Motel Palo Alto Area
Days Inn Palo Alto Stanford Area Motel
Days Inn Stanford Area Motel
Days Inn Stanford Area
Days Palo Alto Stanford Area
Days Stanford Area
The Palo Alto Inn Palo Alto
The Palo Alto Inn Motel Palo Alto

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at The Palo Alto Inn?

The Palo Alto Inn offers free cancellation on certain room rates. To learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at The Palo Alto Inn?

As of Sep 25, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Palo Alto Inn on Sep 26, 2025 start from $99.9, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to do around The Palo Alto Inn?

This motel is situated in Palo Alto Orchards within a short 18-minute walk of San Antonio Shopping Center. You'll also find Shoreline Amphitheatre and Stanford Stadium within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at The Palo Alto Inn?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. RV/bus/truck parking is also available for guests.

Does The Palo Alto Inn have a casino on the premises?

No, The Palo Alto Inn doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Palo Alto Inn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

Is The Palo Alto Inn a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like premium bedding and a turndown service as well as concierge services.

Does The Palo Alto Inn have a hot tub?

No, this motel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Palo Alto Inn have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, The Palo Alto Inn doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does The Palo Alto Inn allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Palo Alto Inn though service animals are welcome.

Does The Palo Alto Inn have connecting rooms?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to The Palo Alto Inn?

The closest major airport to The Palo Alto Inn is San Carlos, CA (SQL), which is 14 mi away (18 minutes by car). Another top airport is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is located 13.4 mi away (18-minute drive).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Palo Alto Inn?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Palo Alto Inn.

Reviews

The Palo Alto Inn Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 570 out of 923 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 223 out of 923 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 63 out of 923 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 923 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 923 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bruce

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Palo Alto Inn was such a pleasant place. The room was beautiful with fresh cut flowers and I love the wnergy of the person checking me in. I would highly recommend the Palo Alto Inn fro a nice and quiet stay!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gonenc

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and safe area! Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darren

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrei

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was very nice, clean, comfortable and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yanming

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jackson

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yvette

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
My granddaughters feet were dirty from walking a room the floor. It looked really clean, but apparently the floor wasn’t
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rodolfo

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location and the place is quiet and beautiful.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nannan

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Perfect
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Graduation weekend at Stanford. The Palo Alto Inn is just the perfect location close to the school. As soon as you drive in you can see that the area is clean and nicely decorated. The customer services was wonderful, the young man thank us for picking them and let us know they had complimentary snacks and water. The room was was clean, organized and quiet. We have found our second home when visiting Palo Alto.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The Palo Alto Inn was clean and well-kept. As a solo female traveler, I felt safe at the inn and in the area. There were no dining options at the Palo Alto Inn, but there were several options within easy walking distance. Since I was without a car during my stay, that was very important to me. I walked south most of the time to San Antonio Center , approximately 1/2 mile away, where there are several restaurants, Safeway, Walmart, Trader Joes and Target. From the Walmart on Showers Drive (about .8 mile away), there is a free Mountain View Shuttle that has two routes - I took the Red route from Walmart to Castro Street (downtown) and the Grey route to get back to Walmart from downtown. Several of the hotels close to the Palo Alto Inn have restaurants and I found that most of them had pretty good food. I enjoyed Dinah's Poolside Restaurant and Hobees (great blueberry coffee cake). The management and staff of the inn were all friendly and helpful. And there are free snacks, water and sodas in the office. One thing to note: the website listed guest laundry, but I didn't see any laundry facilities. When I asked at the desk, I was told they don't have laundry available anymore and they suggested a laundromat north of the inn.
Stayed 16 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Jesus

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Accommodated our need for a quiet room after my husband's surgery....in fact he selected the room after we had mentioned the reason for our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chenzhuo

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean rooms and really nice and helpful staff here.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Marcos

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good overall
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Marcos

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tomas

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
The neighborhood felt really safe.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent!

Thank you! Impeccable customer service! I'll return!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sonya

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good location, ease of check-in and check-out, option for service daily, clean and comfortable room at a good price. Really enjoyed the zen garden to chill in the afternoons.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Gloria

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very disappointed. Probably smallest room I’ve ever been in. Our window actually overlooked the DUMP. That was our view. The tiny communal area with chairs and a couch was very close to the road and traffic. Noisy.The check-in desk area was the size of a bathroom…that tiny. All equipment in our room was ancient. The floors and bed in our room squeaked and I could hear them squeak in the adjacent room which tells you how thin the walls were. Yukkk. Never stay here.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025